“When you play the game of thrones you either win or you die. There is no middle ground.” Different show. Same sentiment. Whether it’s fiction or history, the power games fought on and off the battlefield often come down to us versus them. Shaka said so himself in the penultimate episode of season 2 when he told the Mthethwa they had “two choices: to be a Zulu ally or an enemy."
Since the death of Dingiswayo, the bumblings and betrayals of first Somveli and then Mondisa meant they did not have a firm leader in place. Coupled with Shaka’s solid history with Dingiswayo and his swift act of vengeance against the Ndwandwe for what they did to the Mthethwa king, it was inevitable that this clan would ultimately stay on Shaka’s side, prompted by the wise Queen Mabamba.
After two seasons, no one can have missed the enmity between the Ndwandwe and the Zulu, particularly when it comes to Zwide. But that has not stopped some Ndwandwe members and supporters from moving to the Zulus. Mzilikazi of the Khumalo, enraged at the death of his father at the hands of the Ndwandwe, easily made the switch. Noluju looks like he might be swayed too. Will he make the move or decide it’s too risky?
Even within the Ndwandwe there are rumbles of dissatisfaction. After the death of Nyengelezi thanks to Nomahlanjana, Goloza refuses to use his visions to guide his family. Even Ntombazi appears torn in two about what to do, and her granddaughter Ntombazana has been searching her conscience since Dingiswayo’s death.
Some of the same family feuding even seemed to be going on within the Zulu when Shaka’s brothers Dingane and Mhlangana looked like they were picking Mondisa’s side over Shaka’s in a bid to become rulers themselves. But it turned out to be a bluff and didn’t end well for the Mthethwa king, as the ever-faithful Ngomane swept in to save the day and Dingane and Mhlanga’s clever ruse against Mondisa was revealed.
The Qwabe are initially quite comfortable on the fence. But when pushed to make a choice, they are certainly not keen on joining the Ndwandwe but neither do they want to join ranks with the Zulu … unless they get to be in charge. Phakathwayo defies Shaka, via Nandi, with this ultimatum. Phakathwayo does so again when he leaves the decision of whether to support the Zulu to the outcome of a stick fight with Shaka. Of course, it was a risk for Shaka too, because he had just as much to lose. No one ever doubted he would emerge victorious though, and it still made for an epic fight, leaving Nqetho as king, and supporting the Zulu.
The Zulu army is growing while the Ndwandwe army dwindles and battles insurrection and doubt. But Zwide is a determined leader and a seasoned warrior. He still has Sikhunyana on his side, whose sharp, strategic mind makes him an asset. He also seeks vengeance for the loss of his brothers, but does not let this consume him, keeping him rational. However, even this young prince seems despondent and despairing. Will he find the will to fight? Then there's Soshangane, loyal and battle-tested many times. Will it be enough to make the Ndwandwe victorious? Or will the Zulu win all?
Shaka iLembe season 2 is proudly sponsored by headline partner Telkom, associate partners Knorrox, Diageo, and tactical partners Santam, Amka, Toyota, Spur, and Gordon’s Gin.
Watch the Shaka iLembe season 2 finale on Sunday 31 August at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 161. The repeats will air the following Friday at 21:30 and the following Saturday at 20:00. Watch season 1 on Showmax or DStv Catch Up.
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